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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,480 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2000 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

engine problem

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2000 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #36

Dec 082005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I went in to find out why I have no heat and the repair guy said there was anti freeze leaking on to engine block. He said that the head gaskets and the intake gasket needed replacing and it would cost $1500.

- Waupun, WI, USA

problem #35

Nov 172005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles
When I went to the store I noticed a smell coming from my car I pulled over and noticed that coolant was leaking from my car. I opened the hood to cool down the engine since I assumed it might have overheated or something of the sort and it was only the run off. I added more fluid (everything was fine) and noticed the next morning it leaked again. I took the vehicle to the mechanic (to get my hazards module replaced since they began to start a fritz) and he told me it was the lower intake gasket and would be $850, not to mention he refused to offer the recall claim because I didn't have any papers.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #34

Jan 202006

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,750 miles
1. lower intake manifold gaskets leaking coolant. 2. horn is inoperative (2nd time). 3.HVAC kicks off and recirc. Will not hold its setting. (on-going for the last 2 years).

- Arnold, MO, USA

problem #33

Sep 162005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased a 2000 Chevy Malibu ls in December of 2002. After purchasing this vehicle someone working in the service department of a GM dealership told me I had made a big mistake. He said the engine had a serious problem. He told me the lower intake gasket would eventually fail. The only way of fixing the problem also involves removing the entire engine from the car. In September of 2005 my car has developed this problem. I then contacted a mechanic to find how common a problem this is for the engine. He was under the impression it happened to all GM V6 engines. This failure is a major mechanical expense which I do not have the funding to fix. With less than 65,000 miles I do not feel a car should develop major mechanical defects.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #32

Mar 052005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
Dex-cool coolant leaked into engine of my 2000 Chevy Malibu. This is an ongoing problem for many GM owners, and it is well known by everyone expect GM. Both the dealer and Chevrolet said there is nothing they can do, that I must pay to have it fixed, about $1500. Chevy must address and fix this problem.

- Clifton Heights , PA, USA

problem #31

Jul 072005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,691 miles
Took my 2000 Malibu in for an oil change. Was told the intake valve cover gasket was leaking. Could repair it for $825. Took it to the dealer the next day. Was quoted $765. Had dealer fix it. But had to use the "updated" gaskets. Which needed "updated" bolts.(approx. $40 extra) water pump was leaking from weep hole. Replaced. Total cost $966.56. My car had 51, xxx miles on it. I feel that GM has had enough complaints about the intake gaskets leaking and that they should pay for the repairs. They know that there is a problem as there is now an updated gasket to be used. Was told by one shop that is the dex-cool eats away at the gaskets. If the coolant is good for 100,000 or 150,000 miles. GM should cover any damage that is caused by it within that milage.

- Chaska, MN, USA

problem #30

Jun 012005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fuel pump went bad on 06/01/05 ($583). When service was done to replace fuel pump, mechanic informed me that the intake manifold gasket is leaking. To repair it will cost $1300.

- Brookfield, IL, USA

problem #29

May 272005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,083 miles
I have been advised that the "intake is leaking coolant" on my 2000 Chevy Malibu and that the cost of the repair will be approximately $825. There are numerous articles of other Malibu owners on the internet that either currently have or have had this same problem. It would seem apparent that the intake is defective. The mechanic has advised that unless repaired, the engine will be destroyed. Can you imagine that happening on a freeway during rush hour? the loss of life would be terrible. I bought this car for my 17-year-old son thinking that I was purchasing a car that would provide him some added protection and now I find out he is driving a time bomb. In light of the numerous reports, I would like Chevrolet to repair my car at no charge to me.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #28

May 052005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have already filed complaint in regards to the hazard light recall, which for some reason does not cover my 2000 Malibu. I noticed other complaints on the Malibu and figured I would throw my two cents in. I to have had to drop over $1000 dollars into the most defective car I have purchased this includes the $200 piece of junks I bought when I was a teenager. My list of problems. 1. coolant system leak cost $700 note: Mechanic laughed and said this happens all the time is this type of engine. In reviewing other complaints, the one really stands out. Nice I am glad GM owns up to its problems. 2. brakes constantly need to be replaced well below mileage. Glad GM saved a few bucks under sizing the rotors. 3. within a year the fans switch (levels 1,2) and lighter stopped working. Boy GM is saving lots money now. 4. within the past year I had fuel pump failure, nothing like traveling in rush hour traffic doing 75mph and car totally dieing. Boy GM has made one quality car. 5. the last insult, my first and likely last GM product is when I thought boy I finally get something from GM in regards to one small defect, the hazard switch, I find out that my vehicle is not covered by this recall. Wow not only I am out at least $1000 bucks on piece of crap product, GM does not even want to give a bone to hungry man. With this type of product it is no wonder GM is losing market share faster than any other automotive company. Keep up the good work GM. Clearly the are some serious defects with this vehicle and the gms ownership with defects.

- Clinton Twp, MI, USA

problem #27

Mar 142005

Malibu

  • miles
My wife's 3.1 General Motors V6 needed a manifold gasket and related items replaced on her 2000 Malibu which only has 48,000 miles and is well taken care of. My 1995 lumina had the same problem. After checking with many shops and GM dealers (and a co-worker who had the same problem today)...it is a very common defect @ every 40,000 miles. It could turn out to be a very bad deal for many consumers and it appears that the manufacturer knew of defect for years. Just a heads up for you.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #26

Mar 012005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,055 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Coolant was leaking from my 2000 Chevrolet Malibu engine intake manifold and my coolant pump. The car has only 52,000 miles. I took it to the dealer where they replaced the intake manifold gasket and coolant pump. The cost was $1250. I work at a company where I know all the other Chevrolet Malibu owners. There are two other: One owns a 1999 and the other owns a 2000 Malibu, both with less than 50,000 miles. The 2000 owner has had the intake manifold gasket replaced for $950. The 1999 owner has had the coolant pump replaced and will probably need the intake manifold gasket replaced. I feel that Chevrolet had initially installed defective cheap parts in this model and will not own up to it.

- Woodinville, WA, USA

problem #25

Feb 202005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu with 38000 miles. The intake manifold gasket is leaking. I called the dealership to see if there is a recall. I was told there have been many gasket failures on the Malibu but there is no recall. Repair cost is estimated at $645 by the dealer. I am now unable to afford the repair or safely drive the car for fear of damage to the engine. The car is now in storage.

- Medford, OR, USA

problem #24

Jan 172005

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
The intake gasket on my 2000 Malibu is leaking and it's going to cost $550 to repair it. Called jackson Chevrolet and service mgr. Stated he purchased Malibu for wife and he also replaced the intake gasket. The service mgr also stated that all the Malibu with that motor are bad about the intake gaskets leaking. Called GM and they said can't pay for repairs. Will not buy a GM automobile again. Still not fixed. Putting water and antifreeze in it everyday.

- Chickamauga, GA, USA

problem #23

Aug 032004

Malibu

  • miles
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall 03V327000. However, the vehicle became became inoperable.

- Long Beach, NY, USA

problem #22

Sep 042004

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 470,000 miles
While driving 70 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer states that they were unable to duplicate the problem. Please provide additional information.

- Walla Walla, WA, USA

problem #21

Jul 202004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
As reading over the website I notice the 2000 Malibu is pretty much a lemon. I have had to replace the radio, pretty much every gasket in the engine, the fuel pump, brakes front and rear, now my turn signals don't work, just found out about the recall I have to check to see if I qualify, my engine knocks on cold starts, and it practically losses all power when I go to accelerate.. and top it off my transmision slips.. this vehicle needs to be looked into.. and something needs to be done about it.

- Struthers, OH, USA

problem #20

Jul 142004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,720 miles
Recently purchased a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu with 61K miles. Discovered multiple problems as others have described and covered under recalls, but some which are not. Worst problem is intake gasket is leaking resulting in coolant leak and coolant mixing with oil. GM dealer states there are no campains or recalls on this item, although I have seen numerous complaints of the same problem on dozens of websites.

- Kennett Square, PA, USA

problem #19

Jul 122004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles
While driving engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed that the temperature needle was registering as hot on the dashboard. Vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a blown head gasket.

- Wasco, CA, USA

problem #18

Jul 012004

Malibu 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After stopping for an errand and seeing a puddle of coolant on the ground, the vehicle was taken to the local repair shop to have the leak checked on. The repair shop found a leak in the lower intake gasket. The shop advised that this repair was common and possibly caused by the type of coolant used and possibly defects with the gaskets or intake manifold. They provided and estimate for repairs between $600 and $800 depending if any further problems were found. The dealer where the car was purchased (polar chev in white bear lake, mn) was contacted about the repair and refused to offer any assistance in repairing the vehicle. The dealer stated they do a lot of these repairs on the Malibu and Impala but the repair is not a warranty issue. Their customer service was contacted also. They said no special consideration or bulletins issued about coolant leaks on the 200 chev Malibu. From research on the issue it appears to be a large problem with the vehicles and chev refuses to provide any assistance.

- Blaine , MN, USA

problem #17

Mar 152000

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
This car has been one problem after another. The day after we leased the car it was in the shop for the brakes, the car has had 2 engines in it. The transmission has been rebuilt. The brakes are still not correct. Transmission is slipping again and the 3 year warranty is up. We complained to Chevrolet and the BBB. To no avail they seemed to be on Chevrolet's side in the case. We were to the point that we were just going to let the car go back but that would only hurt my husband's credit more then it was already. We had to keep the car through the lease. This left a really bad tast in my mouth for purchasing new vehicles because you are stuck with it for the duration of the lease or purchase.

- Valley, AL, USA

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